Uhm, I know this update is so looong overdue. And I apologize for promising a date. I realized, I cannot meet those darn deadlines (that I set myself, I know).

But thank you for continually reading my story. Despite my terrible hibernation mode.

Additional update. I only got two more chapters to go before the end. And I'm rewriting the previous chapters. I'll put a chapter title for the ones I updated.

So, thanks again! I'm sorry once more. And please leave a suggestion or a review! I appreciate it much.

Thanks and Ciao!

Eddard

Eddard and Robb rode their horses silently along the darkness. He could not help noticing Robb has hidden how agitated he truly was, his face painted with concern.

"Your brother is right, Robb." Ned said, breaking the silence. "It is more difficult to find someone who is hiding than someone who is lost. I'm certain you know that Koreen is not lost." Ned knew that Robb was well aware of it.

His son spoke of how he heard that Koreen and Jon were to runaway together.

He was pleased at how willing Jon was to carry someone else's responsibility, although it broke his heart also, knowing how eager Jon was to leave Winterfell.

Ned hurt, learning that his wife had a hand in the pain inflicted to his sons. But he could not blame everything to her.

As a man and heir, it was Robb's reality that he would have Winterfell as his home for all his life to run and protect. It was his reality that he would be betrothed to a family line to strengthen ties to noble kingdoms.

He thought about the warning he had left his lady wife. His stomach lurched as he recalled his words.

Eddard was a man of few words, but he spoke truth. He was not the one to throw empty threats without the backbone to fulfill it.

He had warned his wife never to hurt Jon again or they would leave Winterfell. It wounded him how his lady wife was so quick disrespecting his wish, although this was the only time, as far as his knowledge.

He regretted how he left Catelyn stunned and suffering. She was a good wife, and a great mother to his children. But she had no love for Jon.

Ned also regretted how he never shown much affection to Jon. He was careful not to make his other children jealous of him. And now that they were to leave, Jon thought of his siblings first. Ned felt more guilt when Jon thought that his brothers and sisters would hate him.

It was unfair of him to have made Jon felt less loved than the true born Starks. But Jon tolerated, and took it as consequence of his name. Jon did love his brothers and sister no less than a brother can provide.

"Koreen was bleeding and hurting, but she would rather risk her life running away from me than taking me as her husband." Robb uttered. His voice was trembling. His agony was apparent. Robb did not care no more. "She would rather raise our child alone, or with Jon, than with me." Robb exhaled. He then looked at Ned. "I know how lucky I am to be your first-born, but I could not help but want what Jon has. He is your good son, father." Robb stated.

Never did Eddard thought Robb was jealous of Jon. He knew for a fact that Robb would not trade places with his brother.

They both were burdened by their names. Robb thought that Jon was in the end more fortunate.

"If we find Koreen, what is your next plan, Robb?" Ned asked.

Robb was yet again lost for words.

"Koreen is a wildling, son. It is not her status that matters to me, but her way of life. Living in a walled home is entirely foreign to her. I brought her here because she is young and the North is not as safe as before, especially for a young lass who was alone and abandoned. The winter alone can kill. I offered shelter and care for as long as she wants to stay but I did not assume that she would stay for too long. Confinement will draw all the life out of her. It is not in her nature." Said Ned. "I too want to find her. She needs Maester Luwin's care. Miscarriage is not just dangerous for the babe but also for the mother. And she will find no help nearby."

Ned heaved a sigh. Robb thought his father was growing tired of his trouble, making him feel more guilt.

"Perhaps it is best that you let her go." Ned finally concluded.

"F-father-" Robb wanted to protest.

"Let her decide. You see, you have countless things you can offer, a home, a family, a name. But she yearns something you can't deliver."

"I wanted to give her everything she wanted, Father. I can give her all I have." Robb answered.

"You cannot give her freedom, Robb. She needs to be free." Ned refuted.

Robb's jaws clenched. "And Jon can offer her that freedom." Robb resolved.

"There is no reason to be jealous of Jon. He was put in that situation. He did not wish it." Ned said. He then regretted his words, defending Jon once again.

"Are you truly leaving Winterfell, father? What about mother? How about my brothers and sisters? And what of your people, what do I do with them?" Robb asked, confused of what lies ahead.

Eddard was not certain of his decision. He fought so many battles and all the while, he was contented with the thought that he would one day be home, that he would grow old and die in Lady Catelyn's arms in their home. Leaving Winterfell was never in his intention.

"When I was your age, I was envious of my brother, Robb." Robb was dumbfounded. When they talked before, he admitted how envious he was of Jon. "And like Jon, I was in a situation when I felt I had no place." Robb looked at his father. "Brandon was the heir, Lyanna was to be married to a noble man, and Benjen was on his way to the Wall. Everyone had their places, except me." Ned confessed.

"And circumstances laid themselves. Suddenly, I became warden of the North, lord of Winterfell, husband to Catelyn Tully and father to you and your brothers and sisters." Ned continued.

"Out of all the positions I held, being my children's father brought me the most joy and pride. And out of all the battles I fought and the dangers I have dealt, I am most terrified that I am not good enough of a father to all of you." Through the light of the fire he was holding, Robb keenly stared at his father.

"There is no time to be ready to be a man, Robb. It's a decision. It's a choice. I can only tell you what I know. But you have to face the reality, strong and wise all in your own time."

Robb then looked down their path. "I am scared, father." He admitted.

Ned wanted to hold his son. He wanted to comfort him to lessen the dread. But he controlled himself.

"It is only in the presence of fear that one finds courage, Robb. I'm afraid, that you need to deal with it on your own." Ned advised.

Robb then stared at his father. He smiled, a small one, he then returned his vision towards the dim horizon.

"Please watch Jon closely, father. He said he made a promise to you that he won't leave, but he was ready to break that promise just so you wouldn't have to leave your family." Robb confessed.

"Jon is also family, Robb." Ned corrected.

Robb swallowed when he realized his mistake.

"He said he'd leave as soon as he gets the chance. He won't listen to me that I would prefer that he'd be with you."

"I have gravely pained your brother, Robb." Lord Stark confessed.

Robb saw the guilt shown in his father's eyes. They both knew what troubled Jon most all his life.

"Who is his mother, Lord Stark?" Robb asked forthright.

Ned looked onto his son fleetingly, and then looked away.

"He prays, father. Since we were little, every night he would ask for only a few things. He prays that you'd be protected from harm, that mother would love him and that his mother is safe if ever she exists. For years that we shared a chamber, I heard he would pray that." Robb revealed.

Guilt hit Eddard once more. Jon did not get any answer from him since he was little, and now he was asking the Gods praying for an answer.

He knew it was unjust. But it was for the best. He thanked the Gods that Jon never fled from Winterfell.

"I have my reasons, Robb. And I owe only Jon the answer." Ned answered simply.

"Of course, father. Forgive me, I did not mean to pry." Robb apologized.

All of a sudden his father looked from afar. He, too have heard it.

It was muffled and far, but it was a man calling out a name.

"Did you hear it, too?" Robb confirmed.

"Jon." Ned uttered under his breath. "Put out your fire, Robb." Ned ordered Robb. He obeyed.

Without glancing at Robb, Ned kicked his horse and led it opposite he direction they were heading.

He was worried that their horses were making too much noise for they were riding so fast to the direction they heard the call. But he was more worried of the cause of the sound.

Eddard's heart was pounding out of his chest. He had fought several wars but was never been afraid like this time. He was braver risking his own life.

They rode faster, only stopping to think fast where they needed to head.

"I smell faint vapors of ardor torch, Father." Robb observed. Only the Winterfell guards are allowed to use ardor wood for fire torches, it emits pale smell when burned, used to identify Winterfell guards for rounds and searches.

"We must continue on foot." Ned declared, wafting the smoky scent.

Robb attempted to tie his horse to a tree, but then Ned dismounted and simply left the horse where they stopped. Robb then followed quickly and swiftly.

The forest was not thick and lush during the season. Despite the moon illuminating, it was still difficult to find one's way.

But Lord Stark seemed to know exactly where to walk. He marched the dim trail knowledgeably.

And when they saw glimmer of light, Lord Stark stopped him.

Robb held his sword, tucked on his side almost instantly.

Ned saw Edris, he knew who he was even before the incident with his sons. He hid his shudder as he saw the man smirking at his son, Jon. And out the other side of the forest where they were standing, another man emerged, walking slightly towards Jon.

He noticed Jon was alone. His eyes searched for Ser Jory. He was certain that Jon would not be able to fight off two armed men.

Robb was to draw his sword, but then his father held his arm, signaling him to make a round.

"There cannot be just two of them." He whispered to Robb.

"I will check." Robb breathed.

But before Robb moved, Ned held his arm.

Eddard was a brave man, he knew it himself. But now that his children were in harm's path, he could not help but feel fear.

Eddard nodded his head. His eyes were full of unease. Robb touched his father's shoulder, ensuring him..

Robb quietly scrambled around the three.

"What do you want?" Eddard heard Jon asked Edris.

"I want your brother's head." Edris answered.

The hair at the back of Ned's head raised.

"I cannot let that happen." Jon was adamant. Ned felt no fear in his voice. "I will not let you hurt my brother or anyone on our land." Jon declared.

Eddard saw Edris smirked. "Well, I see we have a conflict of interest here."

Through the rich shrubs, Eddard witnessed Edris pulled the sword tied to Jory's horse and threw it to Troy who caught it by the handle.

"I want my revenge, and I will stop at nothing to get it. Jon Snow." Edris said, as he rode the horse. Troy then walked towards Jon.

Jon raised his sword, ready at will.

Eddard did not have time to think, he pulled his sword and sprung out of the darkness and ran behind Edris.

He then and held it against Edris' neck.

"Make him step away from my son." Ned sternly ordered the stunned Edris.

Ned felt Edris' breathing stopped.

"Step away from my son!" Ned roared towards the other one who swiftly gripped the sword he held. He too looked at Ned stunned.

"Or else what?" Edris challenged.

"I will not negotiate with you." Ned hissed. "You will obey what I command."

"Oh, really?" Edris smirked.

"I will not say it again!" Eddard roared, holding the sharpness of his sword against Edris' skin.

"Calm down, milord! It's alright, Troy." Edris then gestured Troy to step away. Troy stepped back.

"Throw the sword away. Now!" yelled Ned, holding the sword closer to Edris' neck.

Edris nodded towards Troy who reluctantly threw his sword not too far.

"Jon, you must run."

"Not without you, father!"

"Please, son." He begged.

"I can fight!" Jon argued.

"I said run!"

"I cannot leave you alone with these traitors!" Jon reasoned.

Edris chortled.

"How heroic of your bastard, Eddard. He is brave, isn't he? Stupid as fuck, though."

"Shut it." Eddard uttered.

"What are you planning to do, my lord? Make your son run, or fight Troy? Maybe slash my neck first?" Edris laxly spoke.

"That's the easy way out, Edris." Ned answered.

"Yes. Although I do not think you'd take that route. Not you, the honorable Eddard Stark. Do you even know how many of us besieged Winterfell?"

"Listen to me, you fool. I have killed for the king. I have killed for honor. I have killed for justice and I have tasted revenge. I have killed for reasons much more than your pathetic life. Do not think for one second that slicing your neck open and watching you run out of breath will be a burden to my sleep." Eddard declared under his breath.

"Then do it." Edris raised his chin higher, extending his neck.

"Go on, my lord. No hesitations. If you are not to kill us tonight, we will come back. And unless I am dead, I will come and hunt down that liar you call your son!" Edris threatened back.

Eddard held his sword tighter. He was fighting all his being not to kill Edris.

"You are not to come near my family!" His voice was deafening. He had lost all his family once, but he swore never again.

"Kill me then. Do it." Both Edris' hands moved and held the sword, pushing it against his own neck.

"Father, don't." Jon pleaded, only glancing at his father.

"Just do it!" Edris pressed the sword more closely to his own neck. Eddard tried to push it against Edris' force.

But as soon as Ned pushed his sword away from Edris' neck, Edris pushed it away, unlocked Ned's arm and freed himself from Eddard.

Edris then quickly hit Eddard's face with the back of his head.

"Father!" Jon quickly ran to his father's aid. He saw his son scrambled his way towards him. But then Troy was also quick to drag him and held Jon's arm.

Jon tried hard but Troy was able to disarm Jon of his sword.

Eddard was hit hard, his nose profusely bled almost right away. He fell to his knees and lost grip of his sword. He instantly fought his daze when he saw Troy took a blow on Jon's body.

Jon cringed in pain. But still he saw him looking at Eddard.

Without warning, Edris lifted Eddard and pushed him against a tree.

"You should have killed me." Edris hissed against his ear.

He then held Eddard's head and forcefully beat it hard against the tree trunk.

All Eddard's effort was futile. He gazed at Jon on four and being rounded by Troy. Edris was walking away towards where he had dropped Ice.

He could die. He was ready at any time. But never at his son's sight. Never, he prayed.

And then all gradually turned black.